Manchester City will be without the services of at least two of their forwards when they travel to Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night. Superstar striker Erling Haaland did not play in the win over Luton Town on Saturday due to a “bone stress reaction” in his foot.
Manager Pep Guardiola has publicly said that the big Norwegian could actually miss out on the next Premier League fixture, versus Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Red Star Belgrade vs Manchester City FYIs
Kickoff: Wed. Dec. 13, 5:45 pm, Red Star Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia
Competition: UEFA Champions League Group G Matchday Six
Manchester City Preview Material: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Manchester City 71% Draw %17 Red Star Belgrade 12%
Man City Team News
So with that in mind, he’s ruled out of the midweek continental competition here.
The other member of the final third who is set to miss out on the trip to the Serbian capital is Jeremy Doku, who has been missing in action for the past two clashes due to an unspecified muscular injury.
Guardiola provided a timeline on his potential return too, saying that the summer transfer window addition could be out for a week or so. Given that timeframe he could make a return on the weekend, in domestic competition.
It’s highly unlikely you will see him here though. Additionally, Kevin de Bruyne remains out as a long-term injury absentee, due to his hamstring problem.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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